So...How Was Denmark?

Sunday, May 20th, my flight left Copenhagen at 3:45 pm. It was a sad day, yet exciting because I was going home. After hours upon hours of traveling, waiting, layovers, delays, flights, I made it into Tacoma. So many tears. I did not realize just how much I loved Copenhagen till I had to leave it.

Then came the deluge of questions, hugs, words, words, words. Two days flew by, then the excitement wore off. I got tired of the impossible question: "How was Denmark?" What do I say, "great?" One word, one sentence, not even one real conversation can really define my trip abroad. Not that I don't want to talk about it, I do. I just don't know to what extent, and every moment is different. I will surely be processing this trip for a long time, and every conversation I have is just another step along the way of understanding just how much I have learned and grown over these past four months. 

My dear friends here at PLU have been very gracious. Holding my hand as I ride this roller coaster of  emotions. But I'm tired. I want to be back in Spokane, somehow I imagine that it will be easier to adjust when I am there, but I know it will be hard there as well. I guess reverse culture shock is more real than I was imagining it to be. I'm sure jet lag doesn't help that either. 

On the more positive side though, it has been such a blessing spending this week with dear friends whom I haven't seen in four months, or even longer. Its amazing that no matter how much time goes by, you know who your real friends are because you can still talk about anything and everything like no time has gone by at all. I am truly blessed to have such friendships. 

This week has been full of reflection and thinking. I have realized that I am much more confident in myself now, and more independent. I am more patient with changes of plans, or lack of plans for that matter. I have gotten very used to be by myself a lot, so it has been a challenge being with people again all the time. With that, I have truly learned to appreciate how to be alone, and what to do with that emotion. 

Americans are as loud and obnoxious as Europeans let on. Its been both wonderful and frustrating. Hearing every conversation walking down the street. People trying to act concerned when they really aren't. Workers in grocery stores making an effort to make your life easier. Waitresses checking on you and being accommodating. Making small talk, unnecessarily to avoid silence. Fickle gossip. At the same time though, I've truly missed having intense conversations. Real, honest, truly getting at the heart. Somehow I did not have many of those conversations in Denmark. 

Denmark...what a beautiful country. It has been fun sharing the little bit of culture that I learned and experienced there with my friends here. This post is just a glimpse at what my heart has been going through since coming back. I am so grateful for everything about these past four months. The ups the downs, and God's faithfulness throughout, bringing me home safe on the other side, excited for the next time I travel, but looking forward to the little things that come my way in between. 

Danmark, jeg elsker dig. Tak for den tid.